Recommended Reading 08/16/20

 

What a mug...

Mochi says it's reading time!

There is no better way to occupy your down time then by reading.  Instead of mindless scrolling through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram etc. read a book.  Exercise your mind, gain knowledge, learn something new and travel the world without leaving your couch.  Just remember to get up and move!  There has to be a balance.

Let's get started with the environment:

From Patagonia: Remember the Original Tree Huggers  

Stop making sense: Why it's time to get emotional about climate change.

What's up Facebook? when will it end? Abandoning drilling equipment?

Costa Rica Set to Eliminate all Single Use Plastic

In my field of work we utilize Lidar, travel to Honduras with Chris Fischer on the importance of why we should Lidar the whole Earth.

This is an image of Lidar scan of 500kv transmission line showing trees and brush which might impede power distribution.

Food and Recipes

How to make 2 ingredients oil-free Tortillas, from The Minimalist Baker.

Epic vegan BBQ tofu wings  from One Green Planet.

Ethiopian Spiced "Meat" Hummus Bowls from MBG

Raspberry Oat Crumble Bars from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Ikarian-style Sourdough Bread from Blue Zones.

Wellness and Exercise

10 Signs Your Liver Needs Some Love from Food Matters.

How Hydration Can Support Immunity from MBG.

Cancer Prevention and Treatment from Center for Nutrition Studies.

Training in Hot Weather may enhance fitness and performance from Trailrunner Magazine

Just Crazy

Do we really need this? Coffee infused Coca-cola.

Coca-cola secrets you never knew.

Is this how they are spending their time addressing climate change? U.S. .Energy Department

Stay Strong.

Have a great week.

Keep washing your hands.

Judd

Benefits of Garlic

Don't you just love the smell of garlic roasting in olive oil?  It's the organic sulfur compound allicin that gives it the pungent smell.  When he garlic is crushed or chopped the amino acid allicin is released.  Garlic is one of the most beneficial spices/herbs that can be added to your diet.  Garlic is in the same family as onions, leeks and shallots, the Allium family.  Each segment is called a clove with 10-20 cloves per bulb.  Being a popular cooking ingredient, garlic is and can be grown throughout the world, even in your own window garden.  Throughout history it's main use was for health and medicinal purposes. 

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food"

Hippocrates (the Father of Western medicine) prescribed garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Benefits:

*Highly nutritious but very few calories-containing a little of all the minerals you need every day.

*Can combat sickness, including the common cold- boosting the immune system is very important.

The active compounds in garlic reduce high blood pressure- cardiovascular diseases are the #1 killers in the world.  In one study, 4 cloves of garlic per day were just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24 week period, with NO SIDE effects. The red blood cells turn the sulfur into hydrogen sulfide gas which expands our blood vessels helping to regulate blood pressure.

*Improves cholesterol levels- reducing total and/or LDL levels by 10-15%. The red blood cells turn the sulfur into hydrogen sulfide gas which expands our blood vessels helping to regulate blood pressure.

*Garlic contains high antioxidants-antioxidants protects against cell damage and aging, helping to reduce the risk of  Alzheimer's and dementia. 

*May help min detoxing your body from heavy metals- it has shown to reduce lead toxicity and other heavy metals.

Boosts immunity-  in studies, garlic appears to kill cancer and viruses cells. 

Protects our food- the antibacterial properties in garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli.

*It just makes your  food taste great!

Here's a great video from Dr Michael Greger;

Benefits of Garlic for Fighting Cancer and the Common Cold

Have a great week.

Be kind. 

WASH YOUR HANDS!

Judd

Don't Medicate! HYDRATE

You probably already know that 70% of the human body is made up of water, and it's absolutely essential to human life.  Water is a liquid shuttle bus that transports elements like nutrients, proteins, hormones and other chemicals to where they are needed the most.  The problem is most everyone is dehydrated.  How much water do we need?  A good rule of thumb is half of your body weight in ounces (140lbs= 70 ounces of water - this should the bare minimum).  Not many of us revel over the neutral flavor of plain water.  There are many ways to not only enhance the flavor but also increase the nutrient value of plain H2O.  In our household we mostly drink naturally infused water or Zinger tea (both pictured above).  Celestial Seasonings offers many different flavors of hibiscus tea, which are very high in antioxidants according to studies.  A glass of cold filtered water with a Zinger tea bag and a half pack of stevia, (if you prefer sweetened) will definitely do your body good. It is a much better alternative to sweetened flavored water drinks like Dasani, Nestle or Sparkling Ice brands which are sweetened with sucralose .  Sucralose, aspartame and saccharin is very disruptive to our gut microbiome. To learn more about how important a strong microbiome is please check out my series on Gut Health.   

When infusing your water, there is only two requirement: a glass container of filtered water and creativity!  The combination of fruits, veggies, herbs and spices are endless.  It can be tailored to your own tastes and health benefits you hope to achieve.   

*Berries and fruit- loaded with antioxidants, key vitamins and minerals they help in:

*Balancing free radicals

*Decrease inflammation

*Prevents cancer

*Prevents DNA damage

*Helps to regulate insulin levels

*Citrus- lemons ,limes, oranges and grapefruits all help with:

 *Iron absorption

*Shortens durations of colds

*Helps with detoxing the body

*Inhibits bacteria strain growth

*Ginger and Herbs-

*Helps in digestion

*Reduces inflammation

*Decreases fatigue

*Veggies- Aids in replenishing electrolytes and transferring minerals and nutrients into the water. 

  Use those that have a high water content like:

*Cucumbers

*Cantaloupe

*Celery

*Pomegranate

*Watermelon

Benefits of Drinking Water

*Increases energy & relieves fatigue

*Promotes weight loss

*Flushes out toxins

*Improves skin complexion

*Maintains regularity 

*Boosts immunity

*Natural headache remedy

*Prevents cramps and sprains

*Mood booster

*Saves you money! STOP BUYING CRAP DRINKS

Here are a few blend ideas:

*Lemon, Lime and Orange

*Raspberry and Lime

*Strawberry and Basil

*Lemon, Cucumber and Mint

*Blackberry and Ginger

*Peach, Lemon and Thyme

You will feel the difference once you're properly hydrated.

Have a great week. 

Be kind.

Judd

Beautiful Broccoli

I could eat broccoli everyday. 

A phytochemical found abundantly in broccoli called sulforaphane has been found to dramatically minimize the damaging effects caused by strokes.  Scientists from The Kings College in London found the enzymes are useful in removing dangerous free-radicals.  The study was funded by the British Heart Foundation to find new and better options to treat damages caused by strokes.  These findings are hailed as a major breakthrough in helping at-risk individuals to help prevent strokes or minimizing the damage already caused.  They believe a simple "pill" could be taken to help to prevent a stroke.  Could possibly eating broccoli on a regular basis do the same?

Broccoli is part of the Brassica family, which includes kale, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts,

collards, bok choi, mustard etc.  This diverse group includes plants that the leaves, flowers, stems and roots can all be cooked and eaten.  They are the most commonly eaten plant group worldwide.  Broccoli is inexpensive and can be found at just about any grocery store.

Broccoli is a great source for the antioxidants vitamin C, beta-carotene and quercetin.

They are renowned for quenching free-radicals and reducing risks for prostate and breast cancer, Alzheimer and Parkinson's.  They are essential

for good health, promoting healthy immune systems, nutrient absorption (e.g. iron)
and overall vitality.

Broccoli is rich in calcium, making it an excellent vegan source of the nutrient that supports strong bones, which prevents osteoporosis.

Broccoli is an source for glucosinolates, which are sulfur containing chemicals.  These have

been shown to prevent oxidative stress, stimulate the immune system and reduce cancer growth.

They are anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and help to eliminate toxins from our bodies.

Broccoli is a great source of potassium and soluble fiber which help in blood sugar levels,

preventing heart disease and managing diabetes.

The best way to eat broccoli is raw.  Cook or steam it for only about 5 minutes to retain its nutrients.

Nutrient fact: Sprinkle on a pinch of ground mustard

to reactivate the glucosinolates, so to get all the health benefits.

Here's a informative video on broccoli:

Broccoli- the DNA whisperer

BELIEVE IN
KINDNESS

Have a great week.

Judd